November Newsletter Part 3: Teach a Non-Knitter to Knit a Hat

For the past two weeks we've discussed creating your own family tradition this holiday season and teaching a loved one to knit. The response has been great! Last week we covered cowls & scarves and now your budding knitter has mastered casting on, knitting, purling and casting off its time for them to learn simple increases and decrease and hats are small portable projects that are perfect for teaching these skills, plus they're quick knits with satisfying results. And of course you'll want to create one of these new styles for yourself and even as a gift.

In This Issue: The Slouch / The Hats of Woolly Wormhead / Fitted Hats /

The Slouch
Hat wearers around the world are coveting the darling Slouch! And for good reason, besides being adorable and flattering its comfortable, keeps you toasty warm and doesn't contribute to dreaded hat hair! Knit one of these new patterns in a yarn and color that flatters your skin tone and updates your winter coat.

Through the Loops Sofie's Slouch

Sofie's Mittens

Kirsten Kapur of Through The Loops has just introduced this new design for Fall/Winter 2010-11, the Sofie's Slouch and Mittens set. This slouchy hat is mainly knit in stockinette with added columns of cables to keep things interesting and the mittens echo this design.

Sivu Simola Ebba

While Suvi Simola's slouchy hat Ebba features lace and is worked in a light DK or sport weight yarn.

Ysolda Icing Swirl

If you need a really quick knit try one of these hats knit in a bulky yarn such as Cascade Eco+. Ysolda's Icing Swirl is a cute slouchy beret that features just enough lace detailing to keep things interesting, but not requiring too much attention.

Josefina Knits' Happy Days

And Gabriela Ordenes', of Josefina Knits, Happy Days is a cabled slouch that you'll enjoy knitting as much as wearing (or giving away).

The Hats of Woolly Wormhead
A discussion about hats must include the patterns of knitwear designer Woolly Wormhead, hats are her specialty. She gives you a modern take on the slouch and also on many other styles. Her expert patterns often include different sizes and the instructions are both written and charted. Enjoy one of her new slouch designs.

Woolly Wormhead Limerick

Woolly Wormhead Weekender

Weekender has a bias body and generous shape, its worked from the bottom up in the round. Waffle Slouch has a lovely deep brim and a textured lacey body which creates a modern and comfortable fit. It can be worn in a number of ways for a variety of looks. Limerick likes to bend the rules, instead of the usual multiples for a beret its worked with the number five. 5 lines spiral around the body which is knit on the bias to emphasize the shape and create its unique structure. Full of character, Limerick is sure to charm.

For a slighter slouch knit lacey Ivydene, worked in the round this wonderful lace beret is based in garter stitch and its an ideal pattern for using those special skeins of yarn! And the Staggered beanie is ideal for beginner knitters, or those wishing to try knitting in the round for the first time. Worked bottom up, it makes the most of wide ribs to create a strong architectural pattern around the brim.

Woolly Wormhead Fisherman

nd these 4 berets were designed to showcase the beautiful hand painted colors of Dream In Color's 100% merino wool yarn Smooshy. Each beret is knit with only 1 skein and Smooshy is On Sale. Plus the exclusive Yarns On Stage color Bubble Haze is available. Pinwheel is worked top down in a pinwheel type pattern that is easy to memorize. Its a pleasant and straightforward knit and with careful weaving in of the ends its also fully reversible. A classic style the Fisherman cap is knit in the Fisherman Rib stitch. Symetrie is knit in the round from the bottom up in a simple chevron based pattern to create multiple lines of symmetry and reflection. And Radial is also worked in the round from the bottom up and decorated with gentle lines travelling from the brim to the crown, like radials of a circle.

Woolly Wormhead Father and Son Beanies

Woolly Wormhead Tricable

Woolly has a hat design that will look great on every member of your family! Propello is a gentle beret with flattering shaping and texture. Based on the Propeller beret from Wee Woolly Toppers, this adult version comes in 3 sizes. The Father & Son Beanies include 3 fun styles of beanies for all ages. And the cute Tricable hat comes in baby, children and adult sizes.

To see all of Woolly Wormhead's hat patterns visit my website: Berets & Rastas and Caps & Chullos.

Lisa Ellis Designs Northwest Button Band Hat

If you need a more fitted style such as a watch cap or ski hat try one of these new designs by Lisa Ellis Designs or Anne Hanson of Knitspot. Lisa Ellis Designs' Northwest Button Band Hat is a one skein hat that knits up in hours. This simple yet versatile hat is perfect for even a beginner knitter. Lisa also has two other new hat patterns this season, the Jogless Striped and Winter Trio. To see all of Lisa's hat designs visit my website, Hats, Scarves and Gloves.

Knitspot High Peaks Hat & Mittens Set

Anne's High Peaks Hat & Mittens set includes three sizes and has a cozy texture that provides warmth and interest. The knit/purl pattern works up quickly in worsted weight yarn such as Malabrigo Merino Worsted.

And to see all my Hat Patterns by all of my Designers visit: Hats.

I imagine you'll want to cast on one of these lovely new hat projects so I'll bring this newsletter to a close. Thank you for visiting and sharing my news. Remember I'm always happy to help with any of your fiber arts needs, I can be reached at sandrasingh@sandrasingh.com, or toll free 877/519-1693 or on Ravelry. Speaking of Ravelry please stop by and join my group, Sandrasingh.com, I started a thread asking you to share your story about teaching a loved one or friend to knit and I'd love to hear about your experience!